Antidotes for Pepper Spray

June 16th, 2010

There is nothing worse than trying to spray an assailant, only to find you have also sprayed yourself with pepper spray. Even an accidental spray of the fiery liquid can leave eyes and skin burning for hours. In case you accidentally spray yourself with pepper spray, it is important to know how to treat the burn quickly and effectively.

- Move to fresh air. Pepper spray is made with a derivative of cayenne pepper that can make it difficult to breathe. If you have been sprayed with pepper spray, move to an open area with plenty of fresh air.

- Shed affected clothing. If the spray has covered any piece of clothing, remove that piece immediately. Clothing that has been sprayed with pepper spray can affect the skin for extended periods.

- Wash away the spray. A mild detergent can be used to remove the pepper spray from the skin. The detergent should not include any fragrances as these can irritate the skin further. Imagine putting alcohol on a burn – this is the same effect fragrances can have on skin affected by pepper spray.

- Try not to rub affected skin or eyes. Rubbing just moves the pepper spray to a larger area of skin. Instead of rubbing, see the above step and cleanse away the spray.

No one wants to feel the effects of pepper spray, but if an accident occurs, it is important for you to remain calm and follow the four steps listed above. Pepper spray can leave skin red and irritated for days, so keep safe and learn how to use pepper spray correctly before an accident happens.